2013 NBA Mock Draft: First Round Picks and Predictions Pre-Lottery
2013 NBA Mock Draft: First Round Picks and Predictions Pre-Lottery
For more information on the 2013 NBA Draft or if you'd like to check out our extensive list of prospect profiles, visit the Rant Sports NBA Draft page by clicking here.
The 2013 NBA Draft Combine began on Thursday in Chicago and some notable names took to the court to prove their worth and increase their stock. While some of the top talents in this year's draft class did not participate, others did, some of which had pretty good showings.
On Tuesday, May 21, the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery will take place and we will find out which ways the balls bounce in terms of determining the front 14 picks of this year's draft.
However, let's take a look at the latest version of the 2013 NBA Mock Draft prior to Tuesday's lottery. While some teams are sure to make trades, this draft order is based on as is. From the rebuilding efforts of some of the NBA's worst teams this past season to the addition of young talent that can help bolster championship contenders -- we take a look at all 30 selections and predictions.
Without further ado, let's jump into the Rant Sports 2013 NBA Mock Draft for the first round, pre-NBA Draft Lottery:
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No. 30- Phoenix Suns: Reggie Bullock (North Carolina)
The 30th overall selection is actually the Suns second pick in this year's first round and after a 25-57 regular season, Phoenix needs help on the wings. Reggie Bullock, who stands at 6-foot-7, can give added depth to the Suns' small forward position.
No. 29- Oklahoma City Thunder: Erick Green (Virginia Tech)
Oklahoma City has a number of options with the 29th pick, especially after already choosing in the late lottery portion of the this year's draft. Erick Green was the top scorer in college basketball this season and he can be an added weapon on the Thunder's perimeter next season.
No. 28- San Antonio Spurs: Deshaun Thomas (Ohio State)
The Spurs have plenty of weapons, this is obvious and although Deshaun Thomas is looking more like an early second round pick, he's a great fit in San Antonio. A 6-foot-9 lefty who can step out and knock down threes adds another could add another dimension to the Spurs' offensive attack.
No. 27- Denver Nuggets: Lorenzo Brown (North Carolina State)
The Nuggets have a nice point guard combination in Ty Lawson and Andre Miller, but the latter mention is getting up there in age. Lorenzo Brown would be a nice fit in Denver.
No. 26- Minnesota Timberwolves: Jeff Withey (Kansas)
The Timberwolves need to bolster their front court and the Big 12's all-time leading shot blocker would be a great addition in Minnesota. Kansas center Jeff Withey would provide an experienced presence inside.
No. 25- Los Angeles Clipper: Shane Larkin (Miami FL)
With the uncertainty surrounding Chris Paul and his status as a free agent, the Clipper need to take a point guard. Shane Larkin had a decent showing at the draft combine and he would be a nice fit in the Los Angeles back court.
No. 24- New York Knicks: Pierre Jackson (Baylor)
The Knicks are used to making some out of the box picks in the first round and although their front court could use some added youth, the speedy Pierre Jackson is drawing some first round hype just over one month prior to the draft. Iman Shumpert was over-drafted and he turned out just fine -- New York can get a valuable back-up point guard in Jackson at No. 24.
No. 23- Indiana Pacers: Sergey Karasev (Russia)
Sergey Karasev is a crafty left-handed scorer who can simply light it up in the right system. Now granted the Pacers already have both Paul George and Danny Granger at that position, but we're talking about depth here at pick No. 23.
No. 22- Brooklyn Nets: Tony Mitchell (North Texas)
The Brooklyn Nets could use provide depth inside and Tony Mitchell would be a nice addition at No. 22. The former North Texas star was a double-double machine who could certainly bring a youthful and athletic presence to the Brooklyn front court.
No. 21- Utah Jazz: Jamaal Franklin (San Diego State)
The Jazz need depth and play makers on the perimeter and Jamaal Franklin is an easy decision if he's around at pick No. 21. Franklin has tons of upside mixed in with some great athleticism. He can score, rebound and push the tempo -- a great fit in Utah.
No. 20- Chicago Bulls: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
If we learned anything this past year in Chicago, it's that the role players for the Bulls are tough and gritty. Even without their star performers, Chicago advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals and while Giannis Antetokounmpo won't be an the instant impact performer they need right away -- he could be a solid NBA player down the line.
No. 19- Cleveland Cavaliers: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil)
The Cavaliers need front court help and while Lucas Nogeueira is still raw, he has tons of upside. Cleveland is still looking to rebuild, but they have some solid pieces to work with -- Nogueira could turn into a solid NBA player down the line.
No. 18- Atlanta Hawks: Dario Saric (Croatia)
If Dario Saric is still available at pick No. 18, this is an easy decision for the Hawks. Saric is a budding talent at 6-foot-10 and he can play the perimeter to boot. Atlanta can't be too sure that Josh Smith is going to stick around, so here's your younger, more athletic replacement.
No. 17- Atlanta Hawks: Steven Adams (Pittsburgh)
Steven Adams had a great showing at the draft combine, possibly even the best of any of the participants. He's on the rise in many mock drafts and could be selected already by the time that Atlanta picks at No. 17. If not, he's an easy choice here.
No. 16- Boston Celtics: Gorgui Dieng (Louisville)
With the 16th pick in the draft and an off-season of uncertainty facing the Celtics, don't be surprised if this isn't their pick on draft night. Either way, they obviously need front court help and Louisville's Gorgui Dieng would be a nice addition.
No. 15- Milwaukee Bucks: Dennis Schroeder (Germany)
So who knows if Brandon Jennings will remain in Milwaukee and at this point, the Bucks can get either add some depth to the position or potentially find their point guard of the future. Dennis Schroeder is showing some Rajon Rondo-esque potential and he's worthy of the No. 15 overall pick.
No. 14- Utah Jazz: Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga)
Free agency will be key for the Utah Jazz, but they might need help in the front court when all is said and done. Kelly Olynyk burst onto the scene this past season and his high motor has him looking like a lottery pick.
No. 13- Dallas Mavericks: Mason Plumlee (Duke)
The Mavericks could be in for a big off-season via free agency, but in the draft, they might play things safe. The athletic Mason Plumlee would be a good fit and nice addition to Dallas' front court.
No. 12- Oklahoma City Thunder: Michael Carter-Williams (Syracuse)
The Thunder need a reliable back-up for Russell Westbrook -- that much became obvious in this year's postseason. Michael Carter-Williams would be a no-brainer.
No. 11- Philadelphia 76ers: Rudy Gobert (France)
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year, you've probably realized that the trade for Andrew Bynum didn't quite work out in the 76ers' favor. Rudy Gobert is a French prospect with tons of upside. His 7-foot-9 wingspan could provide a nice, young foundation for Philadelphia inside.
No. 10- Portland Trailblazers: Shabazz Muhammad (UCLA)
The Trailblazers could end up getting the steal of the draft if Shabazz Muhammad falls to them at pick No. 10. Muhammad has faced tons of criticism, but he still managed to average 18 points per game as a freshman this past season.
No. 9- Minnesota Timberwolves: Cody Zeller (Indiana)
The Timberwolves can make some noise in this year's draft with a couple of picks. Their front court needs help and Cody Zeller has a proven ability to contribute right away.
No. 8- Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett (UNLV)
Anthony Bennett has top five talent and he very well could be off the board at this point on draft night. However, if he does slip to the Wizards at No. 8, this is an easy decision for Washington.
No. 7- Detroit Pistons: C.J. McCollum (Lehigh)
The Pistons would probably love it if Trey Burke slipped to No. 7, but if not they can get a great addition with C.J. McCollum. In four seasons at Leigh, this 6-foot-3 point guard didn't average less than 19 points per game once.
No. 6- Sacramento Kings: Otto Porter Jr. (Georgetown)
Otto Porter Jr. could go higher than No. 6 on draft night if a team in the top five really likes what he can bring to the table. If not however, the Kings need to pull the trigger and draft this Georgetown product.
No. 5- New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke (Michigan)
Let's not beat around the bush, the Pelicans can use some help at the point guard position. Trey Burke is an obvious fit at the No. 5 slot.
No. 4- Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo (Indiana)
Phoenix can use some help on the wing and Victor Oladipo is rising up the draft board. An athletic specimen who could excel in the NBA game would be a great fit with the Suns.
No. 3- Cleveland Cavaliers: Alex Len (Maryland)
The Cavaliers interviewed with Alex Len during the draft combine and there's no doubt that Cleveland has its eyes on this 7-footer. Len is an improving 7-footer with tons of upside, and a nice choice for the Cavs at No. 3.
No. 2- Charlotte Bobcats: Nerlens Noel (Kentucky)
Nerlens Noel isn't expected to return from his torn ACL until at least Christmas, but the Bobcats need all the help that they can get in terms of building towards the future. No-brain decision here at No. 2.
No. 1- Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore (Kansas)
Considering the Magic win the NBA lottery, they will have the choice of anyone in this year's draft class. While Nerlens Noel is certainly an option, Kansas freshman Ben McLemore is a talent that is NBA-ready. His athleticism and high-flying ability would be a great building block for Orlando moving forward.
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